How to Choose Your Cruise ship
Since many of my friends and family know I like to travel, they often ask me “How do you choose your cruise ship"?” Besides the itinerary, this article provides a summary of some of the features to look for when selecting your ship. It is not inclusive and I know that everyone has their own idea of a perfect vacation. My goal is to give you a place to start and some insight of what to expect if you have never cruised before.
Planning your holiday trip has so many points to consider. Destination, length, budget, dates are all major factors but the first thing you will have to decide if whether or not a cruise will be part of the decision. Is a cruise right for you? And how do you choose your cruise ship? Learn tips for your first cruise.
Once you have made the decision to cruise, there are other decisions to make including deciding between different cruise lines, itineraries, amenities and ships. Many cruise lines offer similar itineraries but the differences will come in the actual ship you will travel on.
Pro Tip: Make a list of cruise lines within your price range first. There is no point in researching ships if you cannot afford them.
So how do you decide which ship is best for you?
Category of cruise –
There are two main categories of cruises: Ocean and River. For many people ocean cruises are the most popular as they are available worldwide. River cruises are typically throughout Europe and Southeast Asia.
Within the ocean cruise category, the different cruise lines are classified according to pricing and amenities. Choosing a cruise on the more economical scale, you are most likely going to select cruises from Norwegian, Costa, Carnival and MSC. A little further up the scale will have you choosing a cruise from Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Holland America or Disney. At the far end of the luxury scale you will find Seabourn, Silver Seas, Regent Seven Seas and Crystal. Regardless of your price point, choosing these other factors are also important to ensure your best vacation.
Size –
One of the things to consider is the size of the ship. Are you prepared to walk from one end of the ship to another. What about stairs? Unless you plan on spending a lot of time waiting for an elevator, be prepared to take the stairs to go between floor. Many of the cruise ships nowadays are like small cities with thousands of people onboard. The newest ship in 2024, Icon of the Seas, holds almost 7500 passengers at full capacity!
Having come through the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2023, cruise size can be a major factor. Are you prepared to be in close proximity with all these people who may or may not be vaccinated? Are you comfortable with the on board safety requirements as these can vary between cruise lines? Does vax or no-vax matter anymore?
If health and safety is a consideration, perhaps a smaller cruise ship would be better.
Amenities –
Amenities are also important when choosing your cruise ship. For a family with young children or teens, you may want a ship with plenty on on-board activities such as clubs, roller coasters, and rock walls. But for an older passenger, retired or pre-retirement age, the thought of hundreds of kids on-board may make you think twice about a choosing cruise in the first place.
For example, having recently been on a Caribbean cruise with Princess cruises “Crown Princess”, a ship of about 25 years old, there was a definite “Silver Wave” onboard. Average age was about 75 and there were about a dozen kids. There was plenty of space to sit quietly and read a book, get a chair on-deck or swim in the pools.
Pro Tip: Imagine the time you will spend onboard during the sea days. What type of atmosphere would you prefer; busy and active or quiet and relaxed?
Meal Choice –
Meal choices are almost endless onboard a cruise ship. Many choose dine around options where you can obtain food and drink almost 24 hrs. a day from a variety of restaurants and snack counters. Other people prefer a scheduled sit-down meal in a more organized restaurant setting. Specialty restaurants are also available for a more luxurious dining experience with a small additional fee.
If you choose the sit-down meal option on your cruise, there are usually two sittings. An earlier one around 6:00 – 6:30pm and a second around 8:00-8:30 pm. With this type of arrangement you will have the same group of people dining with you at all the evening meals. There is usually a choice of table size depending on your traveling group. If you are keen to meet other people on the cruise, you could choose a larger table and you would get to know your table-mates. Hopefully, they will be to your liking.
Some of the newer ships are offering room service from most restaurants on-board for a nominal fee.
Type of Cabin or Suite –
The type of accommodation is also a major consideration when choosing your cruise ship. A less expensive cruise will have you staying in an inside cabin without windows. Again, think of COVID, would you be OK if you were required to self-isolate in an inside room?
A better cabin is on the outside of the ship with either a window or a balcony. Oceanview windows typically do not open but they can range from a small port hole size to a full-size window. The higher decks will have the larger windows. Balconies will have a sliding door for you to access the outside. Typically there will be a couple chairs and small table for you to enjoy the scenery or just watch the ocean go by. Sunsets could be amazing on your side of the ship. A less expensive option could be an outside cabin with an obstructed view. You would still get the natural light but you might have to look around the edge of a lifeboat.
If you have more than 2 passengers on your cruise or prefer more luxury, suites of varying sizes are also available and are prices accordingly. Suites could have larger beds or beds that will fold out from the wall or drop down from the ceiling for extra passengers.
The location of your accommodation can factor into whether or not you will feel any movement of the ocean on your cruise. Lower cabins more centrally located with have less movement.
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Shore Excursions –
Shore excursions can vary on the destination but many cruise lines can offer similar excursions. Many people choose to pre-plan these excursions while others choose their excursion once they arrive. Aside from the cruise line offerings, there are other excursions available at many destinations.
Tip: If the excursion has any alternative options for health, weight capacity, or mobility, these should definite by booked ahead as space will be very limited.
Again, in a post-COVID world, you will have to check any travel or vaccination restrictions of your port of call which could limit you from doing some shore excursions.
Final Thoughts on How to Choose Your cruise Ship
So if you are planning your vacation and are leaning towards a cruise, these things to consider should help make some of your decisions easier. Remember some of the reasons for cruising in the first place. They are family friendly, easy to plan activities onboard and they provide different experiences for everybody depending on what you decide to do. Learning how to choose your cruise ship will make other decisions easier.
Be sure to read the Top 7 Cruise Etiquette Rules before you go.
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